QIAamp MinElute Virus Vacuum Kit

For simultaneous purification of viral DNA and RNA from plasma, serum, and cell-free body fluids

Rapid purification of high-quality viral DNA and RNA

No organic extraction or alcohol precipitation

Consistent, high yields

Removal of contaminants and inhibitors

The QIAamp MinElute Virus Vacuum Kit simplifies purification of viral DNA and RNA with fast vacuum procedures. The QIAamp MinElute Virus Vacuum Kit can be used with starting sample volumes up to 0.5 ml. The kit combines the selective binding properties of a silica-based membrane with flexible elution volumes of between 20 and 150 μl.

Viral nucleic acids purified using the QIAamp MinElute Virus Vacuum Kit can be used in a wide range of downstream applications, including:

PCR and quantitative real-time PCR

Infectious disease research

Principle

The QIAamp MinElute Virus Vacuum Kit simplifies isolation of viral RNA and DNA from plasma, serum, and cell-free body fluids with a fast vacuum procedure. No phenol–chloroform extraction is required. Nucleic acids bind specifically to the QIAamp MinElute silica-gel membrane while contaminants pass through. PCR inhibitors, such as divalent cations and proteins, are completely removed in two efficient wash steps, leaving pure nucleic acids to be eluted in either water or a buffer provided with the kit. QIAamp MinElute technology yields viral RNA and DNA from plasma, serum, and cell-free body fluids that are ready to use in PCR and blotting procedures.

Optimized buffers lyse samples, stabilize nucleic acids, and enhance selective DNA adsorption to the QIAamp MinElute membrane (see flowchart "Procedure"). Alcohol is added and lysates loaded onto the QIAamp MinElute spin column. Wash buffers are used to remove impurities and viral nucleic acids are eluted in Buffer AVE, ready for use in amplification reactions or storage at –20ºC. Purified nucleic acids are free of proteins, nucleases, and other impurities.

Applications

The QIAamp MinElute Virus Vacuum Kit uses well-established technology for simultaneous purification of viral RNA and DNA. Fresh or frozen plasma, serum, and other cell-free body fluids (500 µl) can be processed in less than an hour.